Northwestern University will commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy with a series of public events starting January 12 and running through January 24. The programming aims to address Chicago's history of housing segregation and the ongoing efforts to counter its effects.

The events will begin with the Alpha Mu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity's 45th annual candlelight vigil at Alice Millar Chapel on January 12. This year's address will be delivered by Michael Blake, a New York City mayoral candidate and former state representative, accompanied by a performance from the Northwestern Community Ensemble gospel choir.

Highlighting the commemoration is a keynote event on January 21 featuring Shermann “Dilla” Thomas, known for his work as a historian and cultural worker in Chicago. Following his remarks, Natalie Moore, a senior lecturer at Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism, will engage Thomas in a conversation about King's impact in Chicago.

On January 15, Parkes Hall will host a panel discussion titled "Unmaking Segregation: Bold Stories of Crossing the Line and Sparking Change in a Divided City." Panelists include Tonika Johnson and Maria Krysan, who will share insights from their book "Don’t Go: Stories of Segregation and How to Disrupt It."

Other events include discussions on redlining and urban renewal scheduled for January 22 at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. A documentary screening about Harold Washington, Chicago’s first Black mayor, is planned for January 23.

Concluding the series is an oratorical contest on January 24 that invites participants to reflect on whether Chicago has met or fallen short of the goals set by the Chicago Freedom Movement against unfair housing practices.

Many events are free and open to the public. Further details can be found on Northwestern’s MLK website.